Eli Manning Advises Nephew Arch Manning on Media Interactions
The former NFL quarterback cautioned the young Texas QB to be mindful of his words following a controversy involving an AI-generated video.
Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion, has offered advice to his nephew, Arch Manning, emphasizing the importance of careful communication with the media. In a recent conversation with Front Office Sports, Eli Manning stated that while most of his guidance for the Texas quarterback revolves around football, he also stressed the need for Arch to be "careful" in his interactions with reporters.
"Most of my advice, more football stuff," Manning told the outlet. "He’ll have to figure out that media on his own, and a lot of it is just kind of growing pains. You feel like they’re your pal, you relax with them a little bit, you try to be funny, and then they can take it and run."
He added, "So you just gotta be careful. You gotta find your moments where you can be funny, you can be relaxed, but there’s certain things that you know you just gotta learn and deal with it. And I think he has learned, and he apologized and did the right steps in handling that."
Arch Manning, who is currently the quarterback for the No. 1 ranked Texas team, found himself in a media controversy last week. Following a win against No. 1 Ohio State, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian drew attention for abruptly ending an interview with ESPN reporter Holly Rowe. Days later, Arch Manning referenced an AI-generated video depicting a digital Sarkisian appearing to strike Rowe, which he shared with reporters and found humorous.
"I’ve seen a few AI edits and stuff, but that’s about it. I saw AI edits of Sark’s interview," Manning said at the time. "Have y’all seen that one? That’s a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe? That’s hilarious."
The following day, Manning issued an apology to Rowe via an Instagram Story post, acknowledging the insensitivity of his comment. "There is nothing funny about it. It’s easy to say I didn’t mean it, but I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people. I do not take that lightly and am deeply sorry for that," he wrote.
Rowe accepted his apology, and the two hope to move past the incident. Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns are set to face No. 14 Tennessee on Saturday, with Holly Rowe scheduled to be the sideline reporter for the game.